More Brits planning road trips abroad

The number of Brits intending to drive abroad instead of fly this year has increased by 33 per cent, according to new research from Sainsbury’s Bank Car Insurance. Over 23 per cent of all British drivers plan to drive to a different country over the next 12 months, leading to fears that many will inadvertently break foreign road laws.

Research has shown that almost half of those planning to take a road trip abroad will not take important documents such as proof of ownership and insurance papers with them on their holiday, with 41 per cent of drivers admitting to not carrying proof of insurance.

Furthermore, half of those surveyed by Sainsbury’s said they would not carry a GB sticker on their car, even though it is compulsory when driving as part of European holidays in countries such as Austria, France and Switzerland. A number of people also said they would not be carrying out basic maintenance checks, such as checking the air pressure in their tyres and oil levels, before setting off on their long journeys.

The new research has lead to fears that British motorists will not study or research foreign road signs and common phrases before embarking on their trips. In addition, many countries popular with Brits require motorists to carry a warning triangle, but 39 per cent of Britons planning to drive their car to a different country don’t plan of carrying a one with them.

“Our research shows that increasingly, more Brits are planning on taking their cars abroad, so we are encouraging those doing so to be fully aware of the motoring laws specific to the country they are visiting,” said Emily Fleming of Sainsbury’s Car Insurance."In many cases, these laws often involve having extra items in the car such as a reflective jacket, first aid kit or headlamp converters for when driving at night which will need to be purchased before setting off.”